The St Monica’s Centre in Moonee Ponds is a new community building and Mass centre situated alongside a heritage-listed church. This project showcases FPPV’s ability to design a contemporary building of simple beauty that complements a large, imposing heritage structure. The new building is a statement of elegant restraint and refinement, serving as a welcoming destination for the community.
The facility includes flexible meeting and function spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and amenities, making it ideal for smaller liturgical meetings and functions such as weddings and funerals. The selection of materials and the building's form create a dialogue with the old church without dominating it, ensuring a harmonious blend of old and new.
FPPV managed the town planning process with a sensitive approach to the main heritage building adjacent. The St Monica’s meeting place is a diminutive annexe building adjacent to the St Monica’s heritage Church. The thoughtful design respects the historical significance of the site while providing modern, functional spaces for community use.
The new building features a generous foyer that connects all the spaces, enhancing the flow and usability of the facility. The design emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all members of the community can benefit from the new amenities. The project demonstrates FPPV’s commitment to creating spaces that honor cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Overall, the St Monica’s Centre project is an excellent example of how modern architecture can coexist with historical structures, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for the community. The new facility not only enhances the existing site but also serves as a testament to the successful integration of contemporary design with heritage preservation.
Project Team: Kevin Fish | Selwyn Dembo | Veronica Kurniawan | Hazel Wong
Consultants: McKenzie Group | Henge | Nader Consulting Engineers | Graeme Bentley Landscape Architects | DDH
Contractor: Contract Control Services
Photos: Mark Munro Photography
Project Value: $1.5 million
Tags: Ecclesiastical | Heritage